The Opposition View: Crystal Palace

Last updated : 01 November 2011 By Jim Bonner

Palace aren't supposed to be doing so well this season. Are you surprised by how well things have gone so far and do you think it can be sustained?

We've had a good start and there's a pleasing togetherness and new-found resilience about the team, but the league is still incredibly tight and nobody is getting carried away. There are a lot of tough games to come, but if we can continue in the same vein then we've got an opportunity to aim towards at least a top half finish.

Do you think Dougie Freedman will be at Selhurst Park for the long term?

As long as things continue to go well then I don't see why he would leave. He is still a very young manager in the infancy of his development and it'll take time to ascertain whether he can go further in the game. He's got the support of everyone at the club and that's helping him here.

What are the key factors for the Eagles' success so far this season?

We've got some exciting youngsters who are playing well and the more experienced pros have responded by providing the backbone and support structure the likes of Zaha, Williams and Scannell need to perform.

That has really been reflected in our away performances where we've finally started to turn things around and pick up some points. That has made a real difference.

Are there any weaknesses in your side that Pompey could exploit on Tuesday?

I still feel we're weak at set-plays, which is strange given that we've got some good headers of the ball.

Pompey are yet to win away from home this season so are you confident you can win this match?

I don't think Pompey's away form will have much of a bearing. Like most games in this league, it'll probably be pretty tight and may well be decided either way by a moment of brilliant or a dire mistake. Palace are certainly capable of either, as, I imagine, are Pompey.

With two difficult away games coming up at Cardiff and Leicester we could certainly do with three points from this one though.

Predict the outcome of the game.

I'll go for a favourable 1-0, but it's a tough one to call.